NEW YORK — Caitlin Clark has joined her idol Maya Moore by taking home the Honda Cup for a second straight year. The ex-Iowa standout and all-time Division I scoring leader closed her career by becoming simply the 4th individual — Moore (2010, 2011), Tracy Caulkins (1982, 1984), and Rachel Garcia (2019, 2021) — to win twice.
“That’s hard to fathom. To just be, you know, in the same air as her is pretty amazing,” Clark said in an AP phone interview. “She’s someone I idolized growing up since I was 10 and wanted to do everything like her.”
Clark is currently in her rookie year with the Indiana Fever, and she was playing during the ESPYs, so she did not attend the awards show. She missed the camaraderie of all the Honda Cup finalists.
Clark said, “It sucks not being [on the show]. This is why it makes this event so enjoyable, meeting people outside your sport. Hearing about their life and work.”
The Honda Cup recognizes the top NCAA women athletes in 12 sports, focusing on complementary components such as leadership, academic achievements, and necessary service. The event took place in New York for the first time in 12 years, following its long stretch in Los Angeles.
“It’s awesome that they are having it here this year,” said Izzy Scane, who also took player of the year honors in her sport last year as a Northwestern lacrosse player. “It’s awesome to be seeing New York.”
There was even a rare tie in voting for the top three finalists, which led to four standout honorees this year. Clark was joined as a finalist by Texas volleyball player Madisen Skinner, LSU gymnast Haleigh Bryant, and Stanford softball player NiJaree Canady.
He is the 18th men’s basketball player to win the prestigious honor and two-time Associated Press Player of the Year as well.
No more than a few athletes have won the Honda Cup twice in its 48-year history, according to Chris Voelz, executive director. “After all the historic firsts she notched as a senior, Caitlin Clark will make history Friday night, becoming just the fourth two-time Cup winner and second to do it consecutively. Among the strongest in recent memory, we are excited for her to join the pantheon of legendary figures in college sports and look forward to the enduring mark of her leadership on our society and national athletics landscape.”
USC basketball player Aaliyah Gayles was given the Honda Inspiration Award. Since she survived a house party in North Las Vegas in April 2022, where she was shot multiple times, she has served as an inspiration. She signed her national letter of intent to play at USC from her hospital bed, but she’s been a reserve for the Trojans, who won the Pac-12 Tournament this season.
“The fact that people look up to me is an inspiration. Everyone reading my story thinks I am a superhero,” Gayles said. “Many hear me and see me for who I truly am & my story resonates with others,” she wrote in a tweet.
Virginia’s talent, Gretchen Walsh, wasn’t able to make the award ceremony as she was competing at the U.S. swimming trials for the Olympics and ended up making it to Tokyo. Parker Valby of Florida also didn’t make it to the ceremony, as she chased a spot for the Paris Games in track and field.
One of the other finalists on hand is planning to represent South Korea in next month’s Paris Olympics. Joe Echegini of Florida State is hoping to play for the Nigerian soccer team, and Division II Honda Athlete of the Year, Denisha Cartwright from Minnesota State, is on her way to the Bahamas Olympic trials in the 100 hurdles.
Interview Excerpts:
Clark reflected upon her winning of the award, saying, “It is an incredible honor to win this award two years in a row. As I said earlier, it is not just me being recognized for my athletic contributions but for my leadership, academics, and community service.”
Izzy Scane remarked, “For me, this event is special because it gives us the chance to link up with people from other sports and hit them up for their stories.”
“Clark has done something historical that not only impacts the sports world but the greater community as a whole,” said Chris Voelz.
